How to convert array of ActiveRecord models to CSV?

Question

I got an array of ActiveRecord models that I wish to convert to a CSV. I tried researching gems like FasterCSV, but they just seem to work with strings and arrays, not Activ

Answer 1

Yet another similar answer, but here's what I usually do.

class ApplicationRecord < ActiveRecord::Base
  self.abstract_class = true

  def self.to_csv
    CSV.generate do |csv|
      csv << column_names
      all.find_each do |model|
        csv << model.attributes.values_at(*column_names)
      end
    end
  end
end

Instead of hacking existing module, I'd usually put this code in the ApplicationRecord class, the base class of all the models (usually).

If any further elaboration is needed, I'd add a named parameter to the to_csv method, and handle those features as much as possible in this class.

This way, the to_csv method will be available to both Model and its Relation. E.g.

User.where(role: :customer).to_csv
# => gets the csv string of user whose role is :customer